COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Jeff Carter had a hat trick while R.J. Umberger had a “Gordie Howe hat trick” as the Blue Jackets cruised to a 6-3 win over the San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There were a large number of scouts at that game, likely to watch Rick Nash, but some may have come away impressed enough with Carter and Umberger to recommend their teams make a pitch for one or the other.

ARIZONA REPUBLIC: The Phoenix Coyotes rallied from a 3-goal deficit to edge the LA Kings in a shoot-out 5-4, for their 8th win in 9 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was also a report yesterday claiming the sale of the Coyotes to an owner willing to keep them in Arizona may be close to being finalized . While I hope the Coyotes stay put, this isn’t the first time we’e heard this story. I’ll believe it when I see it.

STLTODAY.COM: Blues forward Jamie Langenbrunner is out at least four weeks with a broken foot.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Derek Roy set up both Sabres goals as his club edged the NY Islanders 2-1.

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